What was that noise? The cat? The wind?
Little brother stealing a peek at your diary?
Or is it a ghost?

The Girls' Ghost Hunting Guide will help you identify the creepy

Introduction

DON'T TURN AROUND.

That funny feeling you get right before you turn out the light may not be caused by your creepy little brother after all. It could be something more…interesting. How can you tell? What makes some of us able to see or hear ghosts, and others— not so much? Everyone has the ability to interact with ghosts, but some of us are more sensitive than others. Learning how to be more conscious of what is going on around you can help you to see what others can't— and experience what others wish they could.

Ghosts have been around longer than the Brussels sprouts in the back of your fridge. With a little help from this book, you may be able to track them and find some answers about how ghosts may interact with the living. Let's go over a little background first. Energy cannot be destroyed or created. After the body dies, what happens to all that good stuff floating around inside of you? Well, no one knows for sure, though each belief system has its version of where the spirit goes. What interests many ghost hunters isn't the destination of the spirit but the way some spirits get trapped between life and the happily ever after we're all seeking. How did they wander off? Were they turned away for bad hair? Are they sticking around to see what happens next? Or do they simply not know they're dead yet?

Paranormal researchers have a few different theories about why ghosts exist: To finish business. Some ghosts won't be able to leave until they've wrapped up the loose ends of their life. They may feel the need to tell someone one last time that they're sorry or that there's $20 taped to the bottom of the cat dish.

To give a warning. Others may feel that they can't leave until they've done the best they can to warn loved ones that there is something coming around the bend, and they'd better buckle up.

To return to a place they loved. Sometimes, ghosts have a harder time saying good-bye to a location than your Aunt Annie does to the McDonald's drive-thru. To avenge their murder or right a wrong. These make the best ghost stories. "Who stole my golden aaaaaaaaaaarm?"

Confusion. A sudden accident or illness that causes death may confuse spirits into thinking they are still alive, and they will try to reach out for help.

So how do ghost hunters find out what's going on out there? A combination of patience, good timing, and, if they're lucky, floating heads.

Investigating ghosts isn't as glamorous as it appears on television. Long periods of time waiting in dusty rooms or basements for something—anything— to happen can drain the fun out of the experience. But if you're willing to look at ghost hunting as an adventure and help the scientific community with your notes, it's a great way to learn more about the unseen world around you. Ready? You can turn around now.